Related Experiment Videos
Pregnancy and Crohn's disease
Christian Mottet1, Pascal Juillerat, Jean-Jacques Gonvers
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Medical Center, Lausanne, Switzerland. Christian.Mottet@hospvd.ch
Digestion
|February 16, 2005
Summary
Women with Crohn's disease can have healthy pregnancies. Controlling disease activity before and during pregnancy is crucial. Most Crohn's medications are safe, but methotrexate should be avoided.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Crohn's disease frequently impacts women of reproductive age.
- Existing data suggest successful conception and delivery are achievable for pregnant individuals with Crohn's disease.
- Optimizing maternal and fetal health necessitates strict disease activity control before and during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of Crohn's disease management during pregnancy.
- To provide guidance on pharmacological therapy for Crohn's disease in pregnant patients.
- To identify safe and contraindicated medications for managing Crohn's disease during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of available data and literature on Crohn's disease and pregnancy.
- Analysis of pharmacological treatment strategies for Crohn's disease.
- Assessment of medication safety profiles during gestation.
Main Results:
- Women with Crohn's disease can achieve successful pregnancies.
- Continued pharmacological therapy for patients in remission is recommended throughout pregnancy.
- Sulfasalazine, mesalazine, corticosteroids, azathioprine, and 6-mercaptopurine are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of Crohn's disease allows for positive pregnancy outcomes.
- Maintaining disease remission through appropriate medication is key for maternal and fetal well-being.
- Methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential teratogenicity.